Free Deadland Rising (Deadland Saga) (S) by Rachel Aukes Page A

“He’s right. I know New Eden can become a sanctuary for all as long as we work together to make that happen.”
    Pride seeped through his words, and I wondered if he hadn’t bitten off more than he could chew. “That’s a bit ambitious, don’t you think? How can you possibly support such large numbers of people?” I asked.
    He shrugged. “I believe the only way we can rebuild is to move beyond surviving day-by-day. I believe we need a vision so we don’t get lost. Perhaps it’s a bit lofty, but I know we can get there. So, are you in to help rebuild the world?”
    Clutch spoke first. “We need some time to mull it over.”
    “Fair enough,” Justin replied. “You have probationary residency for two weeks. That should give you enough time to recuperate from your journey and get to know the folks and culture of New Eden. Then, you’ll either have to leave or pledge residency to New Eden.” He smiled. “And, I have no doubt you’ll all fit right in. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it seems that status meetings don’t stop for the apocalypse.”
    We were shuffled back outside in a small flock, where we stood in a circle in the front yard. "Why's a pledge so important? We never had people do that to stay with Camp Fox," Jase said. “It’s not like we’re applying for citizenship or something.”
    “You very well could be,” a man’s voice said from behind.
    I turned around to see a haggard old man approach. Unlike everyone else I’d seen, he looked like a beggar. As he approached, I wrinkled my nose. He also smelled like a beggar.
    “Come on, Romeo. Don’t scare them,” Marco said.
    The man muttered something and wandered off.
    “Romeo?” Hali asked.
    “A nickname,” Marco replied. “He’s harmless enough. Believe it or not, he was a successful businessman before the outbreak, but the stress screwed up his head. Sure, what he said could be true. The country we knew is gone. Who knows what will form out of the ashes. But, more important, Justin believes in the ceremony. He thinks the pledge helps people feel like they’re joining something special, like they made the A-Team.”
    “If we’re the A-Team, I’m B.A. Baracus then,” Jase said.
    “You don’t have nearly enough bling,” I said, pointing at the small gold cross he wore around his neck.
    Marco rolled his eyes. “I was talking about sports. You know, the A-Team, B-Team, and so on.”
    Jase waved him away. “I’m still B.A. If a beggar gets a nickname, I think I deserve one, too.”
    “That’s not how nicknames work,” I said. “You can’t pick your own. Take mine. Clutch came up with it the first day we met.”
    “How mushy,” Jase said drily before he held up his ration card. “I don’t know about you guys, but B.A. is hungry and going to get some food.”
    “Me, too,” Hali said, and several others then chimed in.
    “I’ll bring you through the line the first time,” Marco said. “It’s pretty easy, but there’s a process you follow.”
    Clutch held his ration card to Marco. “Grab me some chow. I want to walk around some more.”
    “I’ll go with you,” I said.
    “Count me in,” Griz added.
    Clutch nodded and turned to the others. “Be at the house before dark. That gives you about one hour to grab grub, give or take.”
    Both Jase and Hali gave matching salutes. Griz and I held out our ration cards, and I held onto mine before Jase took it. “No stealing rations, hungry man,” I said.
    He smirked before tugging it away. “B.A.’s no thief.”
    As the rest of our group headed off to the ration line, I called out, “Calling yourself B.A. isn’t going to make the name stick.”
    Whether Jase heard me or not, he didn’t acknowledge.
    I smiled. What an odd family we made. Even though I worried about each of them, I couldn’t imagine not having them around. “We’ve got it pretty good,” I said softly.
    “Yeah,” Clutch replied. “Now, let’s secure the house.”
    Griz nodded. “I was thinking